UN human rights specialists recently called on Pakistan to halt its plans to displace Afghan refugees in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They implored the authorities to refrain from deporting individuals back to Afghanistan and reminded Pakistan of its vital role as a sanctuary for those fleeing turmoil. They asserted: “We urge Pakistan to immediately stop mass internal relocations, deportations, arrests, evictions, intimidation, and other pressures on Afghans to cross the border into Afghanistan, and to uphold the absolute and non-derogable principle of non-refoulement.”
Since 2021, around 1.6 million Afghans have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, with Pakistan and Iran being prime destinations. However, a recent announcement from the Pakistani government regarding the repatriation of “illegal foreigners” has stirred concern. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have jointly urged Pakistan to retain a protective environment for Afghans in need, especially given the backdrop of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
Serious risks loom over those forcibly displaced, particularly for women and girls amid the ongoing hardship in Afghanistan. The UNHCR and IOM reaffirmed their stance, calling on nations to prevent the involuntary repatriation of Afghans and ensure safe returns. Since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, women’s rights, education, and freedoms have faced harsh limitations, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, highlighted the ever-increasing repression, stating that Afghans—especially women, girls, ethnic and religious minorities—are subjected to a system designed to control and punish dissent. He alleged that these escalating restrictions amount to institutionalised persecution, potentially constituting crimes against humanity.
UN rights experts urged Pakistan to cease its repatriation scheme for Afghans and maintain its role as a host country for refugees. They highlighted the risks for women and girls amid the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for safe returns and protection against deportations and other pressures.
In summary, the UN experts’ plea for Pakistan to halt the repatriation of Afghans underscores the urgent need for the country to continue its support as a host for refugees. The rising dangers faced by forcibly displaced individuals, particularly women and girls, demand an immediate response. Advocating against deportation and raising awareness about the dire situation in Afghanistan, the call reflects a broader commitment to human rights during a critical time of humanitarian need.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
